Dangote speaks on Lamu refinery protests
Aliko Dangote has blamed local oil marketers and international oil companies (IOCs) for protests against his planned refinery in Lamu, Kenya.
The Nigerian billionaire made the claim during an interview with the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme. He spoke as some Lamu residents protested over land acquired for the $16 billion project.
Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto recently broke ground for the refinery. However, a Kenyan court has restricted construction work because of an ongoing land dispute.
Dangote rejected claims that his company took more land than it needed. He said the Kenyan Government allocated the land to the project.
“They said some people are demonstrating; demonstrating about what? Have you ever seen people demonstrating against themselves in terms of development?” he asked.
Dangote says protests will not stop project
Dangote described the protests as “games played by local marketers and international players.” He also insisted that the opposition would not stop the refinery.
The project will have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day when it becomes operational in 2030. That capacity would make it the largest refinery in East Africa.
Dangote also expects the project to create about 60,000 jobs during peak construction. He said local communities would benefit from the jobs and other opportunities the refinery creates.
The refinery will also have a 1,000-megawatt power plant. The facility will supply power to Dangote’s operations and other industries that may set up in the area.
Lamu residents raise environmental concerns
Meanwhile, some Lamu residents continue to challenge the project in court. The Save Lamu campaign group has also raised concerns about its possible environmental impact.
Walid Ali, the group’s co-founder, told the BBC that residents want to see the environmental impact assessment. They also want to know how the project will reduce possible risks to the local community.
A group of 133 Lamu residents took the case to the Kenyan High Court. The court subsequently restricted excavation and construction activities on the disputed land.
The court will hear the matter again on October 14.
Dangote looks to repeat Lekki success
The Lamu refinery would become Dangote’s biggest proposed investment outside Nigeria. He believes the project can replicate the success of his 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lagos.
“Lekki proved that it can be done, Lamu must prove that it can be repeated,” Dangote said.
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted several African leaders, including the presidents of Uganda, Ethiopia, Togo and Benin.
According to Reuters, Dangote has offered regional governments a combined 30 per cent stake in the refinery. The project could therefore play a major role in Kenya’s energy sector and the wider East African economy.
